When a couple decides to end their relationship, they are confronted with some of the most challenging and emotionally charged matters they will ever face. If children are involved, they will have to devise a custody arrangement. Child custody is often contentious as valuable parenting time is at stake. The issue of child custody is a life-altering one, as it has a significant impact on a parent’s relationship with their child. As such, it’s crucial to consider attending child custody mediation before taking the dispute to court. Child Custody mediation has various benefits that can help ensure your child’s best interests. Please continue reading to learn what child custody mediation entails and how our trusted Monmouth County Child Custody Attorneys can help you today.
What is child custody mediation?
Like divorce mediation, child custody mediation is an alternative process that helps parents resolve disputed issues with a neutral mediator. They assist parents in negotiating custodial rights, visitation, and child support. Mediations can be court-ordered or voluntary. During the sessions, the mediator hears each parent’s side and then suggests compromises to agree on a parenting plan. Ultimately, this process is designed to help parents decide on legal and physical custody of their children.
What are the benefits?
Mediation offers an alternative to traditional litigation, providing a more collaborative approach to resolving custody disputes. This process minimizes stress and conflict, as it helps parents reach an agreement, which they can submit for the court’s approval. The following include, but are not limited to, the benefits of undergoing child custody mediation:
- Cost-effective: Unlike litigation, meditation is a non-adversarial approach to resolving disputed issues. This process is far less expensive than taking your case to court. If you can reach an agreement during mediation, you will save yourself substantial money in legal fees.
- Participation: When both parties are willing to compromise and work together to devise a parenting plan they agree with, they are much more likely to comply with the order.
- Control: During the mediation process, both parties work with one another to agree on all disputed components regarding the custody arrangement. The responsibility will fall on the judge’s lap if the disputed issues cannot be resolved and the case goes to court. This means the judge will decide for them, which could lead to unfavorable terms.
- Confidential: Family Court records are publicly available unless sealed by a court order. This means that child custody proceedings are not kept confidential. Mediation, on the other hand, is not made public record. Therefore, what occurs during mediation sessions will remain confidential.
If you’re facing a custody battle, please don’t hesitate to contact a determined attorney from the legal team at Paone Zaleski & Murphy to discuss your legal needs. We are prepared to help you fight to preserve your child’s best interests.
